See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 28, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Dundalk, MD (2026)
Dundalk is an unincorporated community of about 63,000 residents in southeast Baltimore County, Maryland, with a median home price near $215,000, making it one of the most affordable areas in the Baltimore metro. Dundalk buyers benefit from a standout local resource: the Dundalk Renaissance Home Buyer Grant provides up to $10,000 as a forgivable loan that converts to a grant after five years of owner-occupancy, and it is not restricted to first-time buyers. The Baltimore County Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) offers an additional $10,000 in forgivable closing cost assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers in designated Community Conservation Areas. Combined with Maryland Mortgage Program state assistance of up to $6,000, eligible Dundalk buyers can access over $26,000 in total down payment and closing cost help — a transformative amount in a market where the typical home is well within reach.
County Programs in Baltimore County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore County Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) | Forgivable Loan | Up to $10,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Maryland
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Grant | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| Maryland HomeAbility | Deferred Loan | 0% deferred second loan of up to 25% of the purchase price, capped at $45,000, for down payment and closing costs; first and second loans combined may not exceed 105% of the purchase price | Yes | View → |
| Maryland Mortgage Program - 1st Time Advantage | Deferred Loan | Up to $6,000 or 3%-5% of the first mortgage amount | Yes | View → |
| Maryland Mortgage Program - Flex Loan | Deferred Loan | Up to $6,000 | No | View → |
| Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 | Forgivable Loan | Up to 15% of the purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- 0% deferred second loan of up to 25% of the purchase price, capped at $45,000, for down payment and closing costs; first and second loans combined may not exceed 105% of the purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $6,000 or 3%-5% of the first mortgage amount
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $6,000
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 15% of the purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dundalk Renaissance Home Buyer Grant | Forgivable Loan | Up to $10,000 | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Dundalk Renaissance Home Buyer Grant does not require first-time buyer status, but you must purchase in the Dundalk area. The Baltimore County SELP requires first-time buyer status and income below 80% of the area median. Contact Dundalk Renaissance Corporation to learn about both programs.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Dundalk Renaissance Corporation is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency and offers homebuyer education classes that are accepted by county and state programs. Their classes satisfy the education requirement for SELP and Maryland Mortgage Program products. Contact Dundalk Renaissance to enroll.
Step 3: Apply for the Dundalk Renaissance Home Buyer Grant. Contact Dundalk Renaissance Corporation for current grant availability. Grants are limited (approximately 10 per year) and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early.
Step 4: Get pre-approved through a participating lender. The Maryland Mortgage Program requires an approved lender who can package state and county assistance together. Ask about combining the MMP first mortgage with the SELP and Dundalk Renaissance grant for maximum benefit.
Step 5: Check if your property is in a Community Conservation Area. SELP closing cost assistance is only available for existing homes in designated areas. Dundalk Renaissance or Baltimore County Housing at 410-887-4357 can verify whether your target property qualifies.
Step 6: Find a home and close. Work with your lender and Dundalk Renaissance counselor to identify qualifying properties and stack all available assistance programs. Processing times vary, so start the education and pre-approval process early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Dundalk?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the Dundalk Renaissance Home Buyer Grant?+−
What is the Baltimore County SELP program?+−
What homebuyer education is available in Dundalk?+−
Can I combine multiple programs together?+−
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